Automated Embryo Singulation via Robotic Fluid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing manufactured seeds are labor-intensive and time-consuming due to manual handling of embryos, which limits the efficiency of asexual propagation for plants.
Innovation Solution
An automated system for singulating embryos using a programmable logic controller, sensors, and a robotic arm to detect and precisely place embryos in a fluid flow system, ensuring accurate and efficient dispensing onto a surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of embryos is used, then flexibility and precision in embryo placement can be maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robotic system equipped with sensors and control mechanisms. The robotic arm performs embryo detection, selection, and placement tasks that were previously done manually, thereby maintaining operational precision while significantly improving productivity and reducing labor intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated embryo singulation where the robotic system independently detects, selects, and places embryos without continuous manual intervention. The automated control system manages the entire process flow, allowing the system to serve itself in the embryo handling tasks.
2Productivity
If automated embryo singulation is implemented, then productivity and labor efficiency improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is divided into distinct functional modules: sensor arrays for embryo detection, control units for decision-making, robotic arms for physical manipulation, and fluid delivery systems for embryo transfer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve automated embryo singulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluid dynamics as an intermediary mechanism between the robotic system and embryos. Fluid flow serves as a mediating medium that facilitates controlled embryo transfer from the growth medium to the final destination, simplifying the direct mechanical interaction requirements and enabling more precise automated handling.
3Device complexity
If manual embryo handling is used, then system complexity remains low, but time consumption and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system operates continuously without interruption, maintaining constant monitoring and processing of embryos through fluid flow and robotic intervention. This continuous operation eliminates idle time between tasks and ensures uninterrupted progress in embryo singulation, significantly reducing total time consumption compared to manual batch processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and selection of embryos before final placement, using sensor arrays to identify suitable embryos in advance. This preliminary action allows the robotic system to prepare and position embryos efficiently, reducing overall processing time by avoiding unnecessary adjustments during the main operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of sinuglating embryos is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of embryos (40) within a system (20) and sensing (34) at least one of the plurality of embryos in a fluid. The method also includes dispensing (26) at least one of the plurality of embryos on a surface (28).